Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41491463›Full record

ArticleBMC health services research2026

Practices and challenges related to management of chikungunya and non-malarial acute febrile illnesses in malaria-endemic areas of Afar region, Northeast Ethiopia.

Biruk Zerfu, Tesfu Kassa, Gezahegne Mamo, Mengistu Legesse

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Article in BMC health services research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Biruk ZerfuAklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Biruk.zerfu@aau.edu.et.
Tesfu KassaAklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Gezahegne MamoDepartment of Veterinary Microbiology, Immunology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, Bishoftu, Ethiopia.
Mengistu LegesseAklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundChikungunya (CHIK) and non-malarial febrile illnesses are emerging as significant public health concerns in tropical and subtropical regions, including Ethiopia. Case management, including diagnostic capacity and technical proficiency, is essential for accurate identification and improved clinical outcomes. This study assessed healthcare workers’ (HCWs) practices and challenges related to the management of CHIK and non-malarial acute febrile illnesses in malaria-endemic areas of the Afar Region, Northeast Ethiopia.

methodsA mixed-methods approach was utilized across six healthcare facilities in the Afar Region. Quantitative data were gathered through a self-administered questionnaire from 82 HCWs, and qualitative data through in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 10 HCWs. Retrospective data of febrile cases recorded for one year were extracted from four healthcare facilities. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and an independent samples t-test for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative findings.

resultOf quantitative study participants, 93.6% of HCWs had prior information about CHIK, with an overall mean knowledge score of 10.7, indicating a fair understanding (56.3%), with a significantly higher mean knowledge score observed among individuals holding a master’s or doctoral degree. However, only 23.4% participants demonstrated good knowledge scores, revealing significant gaps in their understanding of CHIK transmission and prevention. While malaria was the primary diagnosis (95.1%), it is noteworthy that 59.2% of the febrile cases were identified as non-malarial. Several challenges were identified, including lack of diagnostic tools, inadequate training for HCWs and community misconceptions about non-malarial febrile illnesses. Participants in IDI also highlighted the issue of misdiagnosing febrile illnesses due to overlapping symptoms and reliance on clinical judgments.

conclusionThis study revealed significant gaps in practices and systemic challenges hinder effective management of non-malarial febrile illnesses, including CHIK, in malaria-endemic areas of the Afar Region. Strengthening diagnostic capacity, HCW training, diagnostic capacity building, and public awareness is essential for improving outcomes in malaria-endemic areas.

Indexed as

Chikungunya FeverFeverHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHealth PersonnelMalariaAdultEthiopiaFemaleHumansInterviews as TopicMaleMiddle AgedRetrospective StudiesSurveys and QuestionnairesYoung AdultAfar regionChikungunyaDiagnosisEthiopiaHealthcare workersManagementNon-malaria febrile illnesses

Identifiers

PMID41491463
PMCPMC12784576

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.